May 14, 2009 - Smoking would be banned in restaurants, bars and other businesses starting in July 2010 under a bill the Legislature passed Wednesday, May 13th.

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, who has made an indoor smoking ban a priority, pledged to sign the measure. "Today, Wisconsin is taking an important step to save lives and protect our kids and citizens from the scourge of tobacco," Doyle said in a statement.

Virtually all workplaces would become smoke-free on July 5, 2010.The Tavern League of Wisconsin fought the ban for years. Though the group lost the battle, it won a concession by delaying the start date a year. Taverns and restaurants could allow smoking in outdoor areas under the bill.

Although Democrats control both houses of the Legislature, the issue didn't break along party lines. Efforts to soften the ban were fought off by a coalition of Democrats and key Republicans.

The measure gives lawmakers an issue they can tout in campaigns at a time when they face a record $6.6 billion deficit over two years that will force the